Waterproof of the existing basement: 3 solutions –

For any house, the cellar is an additional space for the conservation of supplies for the winter or various objects, it is ideal for organizing a cellar. The cellar can also be built near the house, but it is advisable to do it under the house, just to facilitate access inside it.

In order for the basements of the buildings to be used, they must be waterproofed against infiltration before effectively performing the existing basement waterproofing system, it is necessary to guarantee water protection through a series of steps: the construction of drainage and the collection of water, the ventilation of the cellar and the elimination of humidity.

The consequences of the infiltration in the cellar

• The water can be raised by capillarity to the house, where it can influence the finishes (walls, paint, parquet, etc.); This obviously entails the costs for waterproofing repairs, but also to remedy the damage that influenced the finishes.
• Unhealthy climate in the house, which can lead to respiratory disorders; Igrasia and mold appear due to excessive humidity and contain bacteria that threaten the health of the lungs, but which can cause allergies or sinusitis.
• Unpleasant smell of mold and humidity.

Waterproof of the existing basement

In order to prevent these side effects, we recommend that the waterproofing of the cellar should be performed correctly from the beginning (also from the construction phase). If, however, your already built cellar has infiltrations, you must pass through the following phases:

• Identifies the place where the water is infiltrated; Water can penetrate the basement through different areas:
  • Breakthroughs
  • Dish
  • Floors
  • Joints and joints
• Identifies the support layer in the area affected by the water; It could be bricks, concrete, BCA, etc.
• Identifies, with the help of a specialist, who are the potential solutions to remedy the problem;
• Analyze the solutions offered, considering the following factors:
  • Expenses;
  • The place of the impermeabilization: inside or outside the basement;
  • Execution time;
  • Duration;
  • Logistics: some works involve complex operations, such as digging a moat along the length and depth of the cellar;
  • The complexity of work: it is possible to need a specialized team that has special equipment;
  • Work guarantee.

Solutions against the infiltration of the basement

To decide which is the best solution for the waterproofing of the basement, it is necessary to identify what the source of the infiltration is.

Therefore, if the water penetrates through piercing, joints or joints, the best solution consists in the use of a mastic that expands in contact with water.

If the water penetrates through the walls or the floor, it can be managed on one of the following directions:

1. Internal applicationOn the walls and the floor, of a flexible waterproofing mortar, Mapastica Foundation. Here are some of the advantages of this product:

• It is flexible, which makes it lasting over time;
• It is Tixotropic (it can be applied without problems on vertical surfaces);
• It has a compact structure that does not allow salts to the ground to cross it.

An important aspect that provides all these properties of the mortar is that the map foundation should be protected (with tiles, for example or with another resistant coverage) in the floor area, so that they do not point and resist at the time. Before the application, the support layer must be clean and consolidated, the cracks must be covered with motorcycle motorcycles in combination with a repair mortar that limits its expansion. This combination should also be used in the area of ​​the joints between the vertical walls and the floor, where it is recommended to create an angle of 45 degrees. Before applying the Mapastic Foundation, a primer is applied and plays an anti-stagno. The Mapastica Foundation is applied with the brush or roller, in two layers.

2. Application, inside or outside of a concrete mortar enriched with special resins: Planiseal 88.

This is a rigid product, which is suitable only in areas that «do not work», has no movement. However, it can be applied on horizontal and vertical surfaces. Although it is much more mechanical than the maps maps, being rigid, it is recommended that Planiseal 88 is covered in the area of ​​the floor with a excavation, so that it did not perforate. This product can be applied with bins, glitter or splash.

3. The internal application of some bentonite membranes.

Benedonic membranes are a category of building materials used specifically for the waterproofing of cellars and swimming pools. These are obtained from Benitonita, an clay that, when contact with water, expands and turns into a gel. Benetonic membranes can be applied on wet surfaces, but that have no ponds.

Since Benthitic membranes should be covered by a protective cement, it is recommended to apply them rather in the floor area.

Preparation of the support layer for the waterproofing of the cellar

Before applying the components of the waterproofing system, it is very important that the support layer is dry or at least has no water films.

The water should be evacuated from the cellar using a pump or even manually. In addition, the cellar should be well ventilated, of course or with a fan.

In particular situations, when the infections are aggressive, they can be stopped using special products. LamPosilex It is one of the best products in this sense, which is strengthened very quickly (in about 90 seconds), after which it becomes waterproof and hydrophobic. Later, he will get compression and resistance to flexion.

To increase the longevity of the cellar handling, use a dehumidifier and guarantee good ventilation in this space.

Photo source: flickr

Author: Raluca Ghetu

Over 7 years of experience in the blog and building materials and over 20 years of experience in the management of projects, budgets, re -enlargement of businesses, training and management consultancy. Passionate about innovation and pay attention to details that bring value. See all articles by Raluca Ghetu